Leisure Time Zoysia

We’ve cared for your Leisure Time® Zoysia from field to pallet.

You’ve anxiously installed your lush new sod and awaited the establishment of its strong roots.

Now, follow these easy steps so you can sit back and enjoy your Lifetime Lawn for years to come:

Mowing a Leisure Time Zoysia Lawn

Leisure Time has a wide mowing height range. Maintain cutting height of 1 to 3 inches. Mow no more than 1/3 of the leaf off at one mowing. Use sharp mower blades and catch and remove clippings. Can be mowed with rotary or reel mower.

Less frequent mowing requirements (second only to Centipede) - mowing may be required on a 7 to 10 day interval.

mow when grass is this tall:

2 inches (5cm)

set cutting height of mower to:

1.5 inches (3.7cm)

Watering Leisure Time Zoysia Sod

Water to supplement rainfall shortages only. Avoid fixed timer irrigation settings. Though drought tolerant, Zoysia best performs when it receives approximately 1 inch of water per week. If one or more inches of rainfall occur in a week, additional irrigation is not necessary. (Example: if 1/2 inch of rain occurs within a growing week, apply 1/2 inch by irrigation.) Do not waste water by over watering; avoid run-off and standing water for any period of time. (How and When to Water)

Fertilizing Leisure Time Zoysia

Once a Leisure Time turf is matured, apply moderate nitrogen according to the table below. It can maintain good density and color and need cutting only every 10 days at low fertility levels. Higher fertilizer levels produce deeper color, but more growth means more frequent mowing and increased risk of diseases.

Apply between 1 and 3 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet annually, during the growing season. Select a fertilizer that is labeled for use on zoysia grass lawns. Do not apply fertilizer to wet turf to avoid burning. Too much fertility will result in a thatchy, unhealthy lawn and increased disease risk.

Supplemental application of Iron will improve grass color.

Weed Control for Leisure Time Zoysia

Zoysia’s dense growth can reduce some of the weed population but, to be sure, use of a pre-emergent herbicide, recommended for use on zoysia lawns on the label, is strongly recommended. Apply weed control according to the table below. Read and follow herbicide label directions.Special Note: While Zoysia is a very dense grass that crowds out some weeds, the reality is that Zoysia lawns require herbicides to prevent weed infestations.

For assistance with weed identification and pest control contact your nursery/garden center, landscaper, or State Cooperative Extension Service agent.

Season

Fertilizer (lbs/1000 ft2)

Weed Control (as needed)

Early Spring

Omit

Pre-emerge for grassy weeds

Spring

7 lbs 16-4-8 + Iron

Post-emerge for broadleaf weeds

Mid-Summer

7 lbs 16-4-8 + Iron

Post-emerge for broadleaf weeds

Fall

Omit Fertilizer; Apply Fungus Control

Pre-emerge for grassy weeds

Disease Control for Leisure Time Zoysia

Pests can become a problem, especially if Zoysia is not growing healthily (too much fertility or water, etc.).

Zoysia Patch disease (Rhizoctonia fungus) can be a problem on over-fertilized lawns.

Some rust may be expected in cool spring weather and other leaf diseases may show up in hot, humid weather, but the grass will usually recover if water and fertility levels are minimized.

Soil insects such as grubs and mole crickets are minimal problems.

Thatch Removal in Leisure Time Zoysia

Thatch Removal: Periodically it may be necessary to remove accumulated thatch. This is best accomplished just before turf turns green (which is approximately late winter in the coastal plain and spring further north). Scalp with a lawn mower or de-thatch with a commercial machine and remove debris.